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45% of British public support airport expansion

More people in the UK support British airport expansion than oppose it, according to a new independent study by Populus.

The study found that a greater number of individuals are supporting the prospect of airport expansions in every region within the UK.

Let Britain Fly

Populus conducted the poll – made up of 2,159 British respondents – for the airport expansion campaign group, Let Britain Fly. The report found that those supporting the new, larger runways in the Southeast of Britain outnumber those who are opposing the idea by three to one.

Those questioned also agreed with calls for the new Government to use its new mandate in order to make an early decision to expand current airport capacity upon the Airports Commission publishing its very final recommendation.

The poll found that 45% of respondents supported the prospect of new runways being built, while just 16% opposed. Moreover, in London, the support for new runways increased to 52% while only 14% disagreed.

A further 45% also supported the new Government in making a “quick decision” to expand current airport capacity while just 13% opposed. Populus also found that 69% supported the idea that airports should be “obliged” to improve their own transport links if the green light to expand is given.

Lastly, 58% supported the idea of the Government establishing a new independent aviation noise authority in order to address concerns made by communities affected by current aircraft noise.

Strong public support

Gavin Hayes, Director of Let Britain Fly, commented that the results have demonstrated a “strong public support” for both new runways and for ministers to make a quick decision.

He added that once the Airports Commission has published its final report – due in the next coming weeks – the Government must work hard to “grasp the moment” in order to give the go ahead to build a new runway to ensure “spades are in the ground” by 2020.

If you’re thinking of making the most of these new airport expansions and travelling abroad, be sure to book cheap travel insurance in advance.